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wjlapier's avatar
wjlapier
Explorer
Jan 21, 2019

2017 Denali 3500HD Measurements Please--Re: Leveling Kit

We purchased a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD and realized afterwards the truck had leveling shocks installed--the running board seemed higher than our other 3500 we traded in. We purchased the truck 4 hours from our home. I'm probably going to have the shocks removed and brought back to stock height, but I was wondering if anyone has measurements on how high the front fender should be on a 2017 Denali 3500 without the leveling shocks. I don't think the rear was adjusted but I'll have that looked at also. I don't really want a lifted truck. BTW, the nicest vehicle we have owned yet!

Thanks for any help.

  • Make sure you get the torsion bar key's and the shocks back from the shop doing the work. You can resell those items to recoup some of the cost putting it back. Lots of guys levelling trucks to put bigger wheel and tires on...
  • wjlapier wrote:
    Just curious, does having the truck leveled do anything to the towing setup and experience? Would the trailer ( we now have a Grand Design Imagine 2600RB ) cause the rear of the truck to sag a bit? You know what I mean?


    Yes, once you bring the front back to stock which would be 2.5" lower than the rear the trailer should level it out nicely. Your truck should ride a lot better after removing the lift..
  • Just measured mine in the driveway--not the levelest spot.

    front--42.25
    rear--43

    I need a step stool to add def.
  • Thanks for the comments. We really like the truck a lot! I took it to a place that has sold us tires in the past and he quoted ~$750 to replace the shocks and torsion tool thing--I forgot its name, and alignment. The truck had a packet of papers in the center console that was from a Rancho leveling kit, so I'm thinking the previous owner had them installed. The guy who quoted me the $750 said he does the leveling for folks all the time. Heck, I never even knew this was something someone would do.

    Just got off the phone with the guy at the shop and he said I need to purchase original torsion bar keys and new shocks. Alignment and labor and it all adds up quickly.

    Just curious, does having the truck leveled do anything to the towing setup and experience? Would the trailer ( we now have a Grand Design Imagine 2600RB ) cause the rear of the truck to sag a bit? You know what I mean?
  • yes shocks have nothing to do with the ride height. It may have a Congnito type leveling kit (system I use) or just had the torsion bars turned up. When the bars go back down you need to realign it.
  • NICE looking truck!

    Yup get rid if the leveling. Next thing you would need air bags.
  • Nice truck, I have the twin to yours except its a 2018.

    My truck measures at 39.5" F and 42" R

    As for the shocks, if your truck is equipped with the Z71 package I do believe you get the Rancho red/white shocks. Your truck probably just had the torsion bars turned up. Easy fix, just make sure you unload the suspension while adjusting the torsion bars.
  • go or call the local GMC dealer to get part number... You can cross reference from there to see what the stock part should be.